Does your dog shake when he is outside for a while or when he plays in the snow? In winter, many dogs feel as cold as their owners, especially if the dog is not used to the cold. However, certain breeds of dogs can deal with cold weather better than humans. In order to keep a particular breed of dog warm in winter, it is important that you are familiar with the breed and its health condition, while still taking the time to make sure your dog is comfortable and not cold.
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Method 1 of 4: Caring for Dogs in Winter
Step 1. Take good care of your dog
Avoid clipping, shaving, or trimming your dog's fur, as the thick fur can keep him warm in winter. It's also important that you take good care of his appearance, by combing or brushing his entire coat, including in winter. This is because matted fur is less efficient at resisting cold snow, rain, and wind. In addition, combing the dog's hair makes him feel comfortable too. Consistent grooming can keep your dog away from dandruff in winter, if your dog is prone to dandruff.
Step 2. Bathe your dog indoors
Make sure your dog is completely dry before letting him outside. Don't bathe your dog too often, just in case it gets cold suddenly, or consider not bathing him at all. Remember, in cold weather the dog's fur will take longer to dry. Bathing less often will help keep him from catching a severe cold.
If it's important, give the dog a short bath in warm water. This will keep him fresh, and in warm temperatures the dog can warm himself
Step 3. Trim the hairs around the soles of the feet and toes
This will help prevent dirt, rain, snow, or ice from getting between the soles of the feet and toes. After walking outside, check the soles of the feet for cuts, abrasions, and other foreign debris. A practical way to keep your dog's paws in good condition is to apply a small amount of Vaseline or “E45”, but this means you will find sticky dog footprints in the house!
If your dog is not wearing shoes, make sure that you clean his paws of snow-removing chemicals and salt after walking outside in the winter, as these chemicals are toxic and salt can be irritating
Step 4. Avoid overfeeding him
It's important that your dog eats regularly and healthily in the winter to stay energized and warm, but dogs who like to relax indoors don't need extra food in winter. If you do, your dog will be at risk of being overweight.
- Additional dog food should only be given to dogs who like to be outside all the time and who are active in winter. Talk to your vet about your dog's energy needs.
- Make sure that your dog has easy access to clean, non-cold drinking water both indoors and outdoors. The heated drinking bowl can be used for the dog's needs when outside.
Method 2 of 4: Keeping Dogs Healthy in Winter
Step 1. Keep your dog from contracting the typical winter sickness
Just like humans, dogs can get sick in winter, especially when it gets cold or because of the weather conditions that winter. Respiratory tract infections in humid weather, frostbite, and consumption of toxic substances are some of the main things to watch out for.
Step 2. Keep your dog dry and warm
This will help guard against respiratory infections, such as kennel cough (a canine disease similar to human colds). If your dog has a respiratory infection, seek immediate veterinary care. Be aware that if you have multiple dogs in the same room or crate, the disease can be passed on to other dogs.
Step 3. Be aware that frostbite can be a serious problem for some dogs, especially hairless breeds
Examine the body, especially the tips of the ears and the tips of the tail. If your dog's ear tips or tail tips look and feel cold, they're whitish, reddish or gray in color, and/or the texture is dry and crusty, this may mean the dog has frostbite.
If you suspect your dog has frostbite, wrap him in a blanket or towel to keep him warm, then take him to the vet immediately
Step 4. Keep toxic items away from your dog
The chemical antifreeze will taste very sweet to your dog, and the dog will lick it if it finds any spillage. Dogs weighing under 4.5 kg can die if they consume just four teaspoons of this substance.
- If your dog swallows antifreeze, see your vet right away, as it can take several hours of treatment to save your dog.
- Another poison problem in summer is rat bait, which is usually used in higher quantities in winter. Keep all toxic objects out of reach of dogs and other pets, and clean up spills (if any) immediately.
Step 5. Pay attention to the illness your dog is having
Arthritis and joint disorders in dogs can get worse in cold weather. Talk to your veterinarian about medication, treatment options, and ways to keep your dog's joints healthy and warm during the winter.
Step 6. Take a short walk in the cold
Don't try to walk your dog the same distance as in the summer. Short walks are still good enough and provide some relaxing time without exposing your dog (and you) to a cold.
Even though you may be indoors, keep exercising. Play indoor games with your dog, such as throw and catch, wrestling, hiding toys, and if possible let the dog run around inside. Have your dog run up and down stairs for a more agile exercise. Keep in mind that if your dog has joint or hip problems, your dog may not be able to run, so just let your dog walk up and down stairs
Step 7. Be aware that the icy path will be slippery, not only for humans but also for dogs
Slipping on ice can cause sprains and sprains, so don't take your dog to play on the ice, especially games like throw and catch or Frisbee.
Keep your dog away from frozen lakes or water. The ice sheet looks strong, but if it falls on cracked or broken ice, your dog could drown. Unfortunately, people who try to save their dogs can also drown, and it's a sad reality that we're usually discouraged from trying to save a drowning dog
Step 8. Tie your dog on a leash for winter walks
If something happens, such as a blizzard, a sudden lump of frozen ice on the road, or if your dog suddenly runs onto the surface of an icy lake and falls, know that you won't be able to help him or pull him up. Make sure that you have fully charged your mobile phone so that in case you or your dog has a problem, call for additional help.
Method 3 of 4: Providing a Dog Shelter Outdoors in Winter
Step 1. Understand your dog's susceptibility to cold
Some dog breeds are more susceptible to cold than others, while others are very well adapted to cold. Dogs who cannot adapt to the cold are not dogs that are used to being outdoors. However, even dogs accustomed to the cold need warm air and proper shelter in order to survive.
- Cold-adapted dog breeds include the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and Chow Chow.
- Dog breeds that are difficult to adapt to the cold include Dobermans, small dogs, short-haired or hairless dogs, and Greyhounds. Dogs whose fur is shaved or cut very short fall into this category as well, as dogs need thick coats in winter.
Step 2. Provide suitable shelter
Your dog is better off staying indoors in winter, and going outside only to exercise and pee. This will ensure that your dog does not catch a cold while you are away or sleeping. Puppies should not be left outside as they are not like adult dogs who can find a warm place indoors.
- If you have a dog that can tolerate cold outside (for example, a sled dog), make sure that the dog can get into its shelter and sleep in it. A haystack can provide a warm winter resting place for a sled dog. However, make sure to change the straw regularly.
- A resting place for dogs that is usually outside should have a roof, bedding, and heating, especially if the weather is very cold in that location. In rainy winters, make sure that the entrance is protected from raindrops.
Step 3. Make sure that the dog's resting area is properly arranged
Consider the arrangement of the cage that is placed outside, lift the cage 10-15 cm from the surface. Place warming materials such as straw or foam wrap in the crevices to prevent cold air from escaping the surface. You can also use this gap by placing a bottle of hot water underneath to keep the floor warm when the day gets cold.
- At the top of the gap, make sure that your dog has a warm enough bedding to rest on. A blanket is a good choice, but make sure that the dog has thick straw on it. Provide at least 10 cm of hay, but you can also place compacted hay around the bed area for the dog to twirl around and create a kind of "nest" to rest. This will keep the temperature warm around the body and also reduce the wind blowing towards it.
- Remember, if the shelter isn't warm enough for you, it's not warm enough for your dog either.
Step 4. Make sure that the shelter is not exposed to the wind
The cold wind factor will add to the cold air pressure. Always make sure that dogs that are used to outside are completely protected from the wind. If the dog is in a kennel, maybe add a small "patio" in front of the door to reduce drafts. Know the direction the wind is blowing, then face the entrance in the opposite direction. You should also install a layer of insulation (heat insulation) on the walls of the dog's shelter, especially in areas that are exposed to wind, so that the warmth inside is maintained. To determine the degree of influence of the cold winds, you can do an online search at a trusted meteorological site.
Step 5. Bring all dogs that are used to outside indoors if it's extremely cold outside for a long time
Even a shed can be a warmer place than its outdoor shelter. Keep in mind that the more layers you add to the shelter, the more comfortable the cage will be. Consider covering the cage with a thick, worn blanket and then placing a tarp over it, so that the cage is completely protected from the cold.
Step 6. Check the cage daily to make sure it is dry and not leaking
Wet and cold cages are more dangerous than dry and cold cages. Also check the bedding area to keep it warm and dry. Dogs lying on the ground will become sick and may develop skin infections.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping an Ordinary Dog Outside Warm in Winter
Step 1. Make sure that the bed is warm and well placed
The bed is an important part of keeping the dog warm during the winter. If your dog sleeps on the ground or in an area where the wind blows, make sure that the bedding is not touching the ground or the floor. You can lift the cage a few inches off the ground. The goal is to keep the cage warm.
- You can easily make a simple bed with a thick cardboard or bricks.
- A custom made bed with a pillow, blanket, and used clothes will feel warm and comfortable.
Step 2. Provide heating at night when it is cold
This is especially important for older dogs and dogs with arthritis. Consider using a specially heated dog bed or a hot water bottle. If dogs realize how comfortable and warm their bed is, most dogs will like and even enjoy their night's rest.
- Older dogs are especially prone to joint stiffness in cold weather. Keeping warm to his joints can add comfort to him. Again, simple things can help, like covering the dog with a thick blanket after a night's sleep.
- If your dog has passed the biting phase, look for a bag of cherry seeds, which you can microwave and are specially designed to keep human joints warm. Follow the directions on the package, warm the bag in the microwave, and place it on the dog's stiffest part or swollen joint, then cover your dog. This will add warmth to it.
- There are many different types of electric blankets or heated bedding for pets, but another type you can use is bedding. All these mats and blankets are designed to keep your dog warm and provide warmth to his bed making it safe for extended sleeps. When choosing a heated bedding, always carefully read the instructions to see if your dog can lie down on it straight away without risking a hot burn. Some types of mats are designed for use by veterinarians and are not safe for the dog to lie directly on. This type of mat needs to be covered with a blanket to avoid the heat that can burn on the dog's skin.
Step 3. Clean and change bedding and other items in the sleeping area regularly
This will reduce fleas, bacteria, and dirt. This is especially important during winter, when insects also tend to seek warmer places.
Step 4. Use dog clothes as an option for certain situations and dog breeds
Dog clothes can help keep your dog warm during the winter. Dog clothes are great for small dogs, dogs with short hair (for example, whippets and greyhounds), and dogs that are old or sick. One sure sign that your dog needs clothes is if his body is shaking with cold, just like humans.
- Dog jackets, blankets, and sweaters can be purchased at the store or made yourself (by various sewing techniques such as knitting, or piecing together pieces of patchwork) for a variety of dog sizes. In rainy winters, you may need to apply a waterproof coating to your dog, but make sure that there are still pores to allow his body to breathe.
- Make sure that your dog's clothes are dry before putting them on. If your dog is out in a waterproof jacket, the wind can dry out the jacket and reduce the dog's warmth, causing him to eventually feel cold. It's a good idea to have several types of dog clothes on hand so that you have enough supplies to wear while the others are being washed and dried.
- If possible, remove the clothing when your dog is indoors, unless the room temperature is cold. If you always wear clothes, the dog will not feel the benefits of being outside.
Step 5. Put on shoes to protect the dog's paws when walking in snow and salt
The salt irritates the dog's paws and the snow is very cold. Shoes will keep the soles of the feet warm and free from salt irritants. However, unless you've been training your dog to wear shoes from a young age, you're going to have a hard time doing this, because your dog isn't used to wearing shoes.
If your dog has trouble putting on shoes, use positive training techniques. Put a shoe on one foot, give it a treat, then take it off again. Repeat this technique daily and gradually increase the number of shoes worn, until your dog gets used to wearing them
Tips
- A bottle filled with warm water can be tucked under the dog's bed for quick warmth.
- Reduce the time outdoors when it is cold outside. If you have a dog door, or a path for your dog to get in and out of, it's important to keep an eye on how long your dog is outside. Dogs should not play outside for too long.
- If you're feeling cold, chances are your dog is too. Make sure that the warmth of the dog's sleeping area is equal to the warmth of your room.
- Before putting warm clothes on your dog, dry them for 10-15 minutes. This makes the clothes comfortable to wear and provides immediate warmth to your dog when outside.
Warning
- Don't leave your dog outside in the cold for long periods of time.
- Do not allow dogs that are used to indoors to be outside during the winter. The dog needs to adapt to changes in air temperature. If you want to put your dog outside during the winter, start acclimatizing him from the previous season. The dog needs to get used to these changes in temperature, and this will make his coat grow thicker.
- Never leave your dog in a cold car. If the heating isn't working and the air is cold, it's like sitting in the fridge. After all, the air can't circulate so the room gets very cold.
- If your dog falls into an icy lake or icy river, seek help. Don't put yourself in danger by trying to save it yourself.
